I'm piecing together a lightweight do-most-things carbine. It's coming together, but while that's getting sorted out, I want to figure out an optic.

Most of my experience is with budget red dots. They've been fine, but my astigmatism is a problem - the dots are now banana or star shaped, even with a small rear aperture sight cowitnessed, they don't tighten up a whole lot. I have a Weaver 3-10 with some really clear glass on it, and while the 10x is nice, I'd prefer to be able to back it all the way down to 1x. While we're at it, illuminated would be nice, especially given how intense the sun and glare gets here. So, to me, that sounds like an LPVO.

The easy answers I'm coming up with are a Vortex Strike Eagle, Sig Tango, PA SLX 1-_, and Burris RT6. I'm sure there's others, but those all hit around the $300-500 mark. Is there a clear winner in there? Is there something else that should be on that list, or one that doesn't belong? What do you guys like?

Now, in there is another question, and that's what kind of magnification should I realistically be looking at? This barrel is accurate enough that when I sighted it in with the Weaver a few months back, I had one ragged hole at a fifty yards with M193. Now, that's from a bench and dialed up to 10x, so how workable are the 1-10x scopes? I know you don't get something for nothing, so what am I losing going with a 1-10 vs something like a 1-6 or 1-8? Is it weight? Because that's one place I don't want to go too far: Configured with a Magpul MOE grip and an MFT Minimalist stock, the thing weighed about five pounds before I put the Weaver on it.

I know there's more reading and YouTube rabbit holing I ought to do, but a certain point, I could just have a scope on a rifle and be shooting it instead of hand-wringing.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: P220 Smudge,

Of the scopes you list, it appears that all are made in China except the Burris RT6 -- which is made in the Philippines.

Gun owners should not support Communist China.

Magnification needs are personal. It depends on expected target distances, desire to magnify the target, desire for increased target clarity, and accuracy expectations.

I have an older Leupold VXR patrol 1-4 that I love. Glass is clean and on the 1x (really 1.25) it's fast and feels very natural. I think I scored it as an open box or a blemish years ago so I dont recall exactly what I paid.

They're never really in any of the LPVO discussions for whatever reason, but after shooting my VUDU, picking up the VXR feels so nimble and fast. In defense of the VUDU, it's a 1-10, so it's a very different animal.

I dont have experience with any of those LPVOs explicitly, but I always hear great things about Vortex.

My two cents - IMO optics are all about seeing your target, and for me that means two things; clarity of the glass, and the reticle! There are lots of great optics out there, but I'll rule them out instantly if the reticle doesn't work for me. Based on the way my brain works, I want a reticle that is NOT busy, and at draws my eye to the center.

I have a Trijicon AccuPower LVPO 1-4x24 SFP w/ BDC Segmented Circle Reticle. It has excellent glass and I REALLY like the reticle. It's discontinued, but the Trijicon CREDO replaces it, with a few updates/improvements and can be had for around $675. I like my that Accupower enough that I'm planning to get the Trijicon Credo 1-6x24 with the same reticle for another rifle! The 1-6 Credo w/ the Second Focal Plane BDC Reticle can he had for a little over $800 if you look around. I'd give them a look...

I’ve had excellent luck with my Vortex Strike Eagle. It resides on my Larue OBR and has been great for some light 3 gun and one class

There are a few discussions, one recent, that have helped me learn a lot about optics; the same info could help inform a purchase. Fritz, Sigfreund, and Nikonuser have a lot of helpful info, based on shooting experience and a technical understanding of optics.

I have several Leupold LPVOs that I like but the 1x is actually a 1.25. That said I gifted a Steiner P4Xi to my father and it is an incredible piece of glass for the money.

Here is one I found quickly that lands in your price range. Steiner P4Xi V2 1x4

The Steiner may be a good choice; I think their origins are agreeable.

I have several LPVO scopes. I enjoy running carbine competitions and use Aus in .22LR up to .300 BO. My son used to do these with me, and I can usually muster up a friend to go with me, so it's 2 of everything. I have added Riton Optics 3 Tactix 1-8X24 to my 2 S&W M&P 15/22, and they get the job done. Engagements range from 15 to 50 yards, and targets at 50 yards are 3-6 inch steel. As an SFP scope I don't have any issues seeing the reticle at 1X, and the illuminated reticle is great for cloudy days.

1-10 on a cheap scope will leave you with a very fixed point for your head. Its not a ton better on more expensive options. 10x will be close to unuseable and your eyebox will be tight for 1x. The more expensive options are better on 1x but still very tight on 10.

I'd suggest the 1-6 or 8 for versatility. I have the 1-10 Sig MSR FFP but I've seen athlon and even PA and Eotech and I have yet to see a great option without a super tight eyebox.

Primary Arms has developed quite a variety of LPVO's.
I would look them over.

quote:

Primary Arms has developed quite a variety of LPVO's.

And I believe quite a lot of them are Chinese. I agree with fritz, when it comes to origin concerns. There are options that aren't Chinese; they should be exhausted first, and likely won't be exhausted without finding something suitable.

^^ I always assume most everything cheap is Chicom.

if your looking ot keep the weight down. some of the vortex's get pretty heavy.. they are good scopes and mostly worth it due to their customer service. Burris also has fantastic customer service. i only looked through one 1-10x ever. it was the sig budget model. no thanks...
rabbit holes can be made easier with a good reviewer. C_Does on youtube. exceelent channel for optic reviews.
https://www.youtube.com/@CDOES

Trijicon Accupoints have always treated me well, but i dont know about the newer model lines they seem to hit your budget range too. im sure others do. (Credo/HX etc)

Steiner P4Xi - good deal under $500
https://www.eurooptic.com/Stei...Riflescope-5204.aspx

Burris around $320? RT6 glass is actually quite good, but not PST or Mark3HD territory.
https://www.eurooptic.com/Burr...X-6X-24mm-illum.aspx

quote:

Originally posted by dking271:
Here is one I found quickly that lands in your price range. Steiner P4Xi V2 1x4

Ordered. Thanks!


Thanks for the input, guys, I appreciate it. I remember when the Steiners came out and everyone was raving about how great they were, especially for the money. Then they doubled in price. The P3T reticle is a lot brighter than the G1, and adjusts in MOA vs Mil Rad, but I think this one will work for my purposes. The weight, clarity, eyebox and relief were all good selling points, but it also didn't hurt that it has NV settings.

You will not be disappointed. Give us a range report when you have a chance.

That Steiner P4Xi is a good choice. It will serve you well. I like the reticle...

A bit late to the party but I also have that Steiner model on a DD AR. Size and weight were big considerations in the decision. I am very happy with mine.

Thanks, guys, looking forward to it. I'll definitely post an update or review of sorts when I can get it to the range.

Well, I swore I had a dead battery in it, and then when I popped the second one in, I thought the illumination was broken. Turns out the illumination is so dim that you can't even see it unless you put a hand over the objective end. I know it's not supposed to be "daylight bright," but this isn't even "indoor with the lights on" bright. I'm going to email Steiner and see if it's supposed to be this dim, and if so, this one's a flusher. Jesus Christ.